McKinney-Vento Act

The McKinney-Vento Act’s Education of Homeless Children and Youth Program

If you live in any of the following situations, school age children may qualify for certain rights and protections under the federal McKinney-Vento Act:

In a shelter

In a motel or campground due to the lack of an alternative adequate accommodation

In a car, park, abandoned building, or bus or train station

Doubled up with other people due to loss of housing or economic hardship

The McKinney-Vento Act’s Education of Homeless Children and Youth Program ensures that homeless children and youth are provided a free, appropriate public education, despite lack of a fixed place of residence or a supervising parent or guardian. The state public school admission statute assuring the right of homeless and other children and youth in similar circumstances to enroll in schools is ORS 399.115(7).

Eligible students have the right to:

Receive equal access to the same free, appropriate public education, including a preschool education, as provided to other children and youths

Enroll in school immediately, even if lacking documents normally required for enrollment

Enroll in school and attend classes while the school gathers needed documents

Enroll in the local school, or continue attending their school or origin (the school they attended when permanently housed or the school in which they last enrolled), if that is their preference and is feasible. If the school district believes that the school you select is not in the best interest of your children, then the district must provide you with a written explanation of its position and inform you of your right to appeal its decision.

Receive transportation to and from the school of origin, if you request this.

Access educational and other services comparable to those provided to other students, according to their needs

Every school district in Oregon has at least one designated Homeless Student Liaison to provide direct assistance to homeless families and unaccompanied youths to access and achieve in school.